Dana A. Henkel

Litigation Attorney & Courtroom Advocate

Dana is an accomplished litigation attorney with more than 13 years of experience representing employers, businesses, and individuals throughout Montana. Her practice spans civil litigation, insurance defense, employment disputes, estate and trust controversies, family law, guardianship and conservatorship, business planning and development, and criminal defense.

Dana began her career in Great Falls, Montana, practicing alongside Jean and Jason, and relocated to Missoula in 2015. After several years building her practice with Robert Terrazas, Dana has reunited with her former colleagues and continues to build a diverse litigation practice. She is admitted to practice before the Montana State Courts, the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. 

Civil Litigation Practice

Dana’s civil litigation practice emphasizes thorough trial preparation, efficient dispute resolution, and client-focused advocacy. She has successfully represented clients in trials, as well as in appeals before state and federal courts. Her civil litigation experience includes: 

  • Insurance coverage disputes and defense of insureds 
  • Employment litigation, including wrongful discharge and discrimination claims 
  • Estate, probate, and trust contests 
  • Business and contract disputes 
  • Real estate and property matters 
  • Family law litigation, including dissolution of marriage, child custody disputes, and guardianship and conservatorship matters. 

  

Dana has secured dismissals, favorable settlements, and appellate reversals for her clients in cases involving wrongful discharge, insurance coverage, and estate disputes.

Criminal Defense Practice

Dana defends individuals in both state and federal court, including misdemeanor, felony, and appellate matters. Her criminal defense practice includes: 

  • DUI and vehicular offenses 
  • Drug possession and conspiracy charges 
  • Assault and violent crime allegations 
  • White-collar and fraud-related offenses 
  • Domestic violence and family-related criminal matters 

  
Her defense practice is grounded in careful case analysis, the use of experts where appropriate, and a focus on protecting her clients’ constitutional rights. 

Professional Affiliations & Service

  • Member, Montana Defense Trial Lawyers Association 
  • Member, Defense Research Institute (DRI) 
  • Past Board President, Brain Injury Alliance of Montana 
  • Past Board Member: Great Falls Planning Board and Missoula Bicycle and Pedestrian Board 
  • Speaker at CLEs on litigation strategy, insurance defense, estate planning, business ownership, and employment law. 
  • Past mentor for the University of Montana Honors College Internship Program 
  • YMCA Youth Girls’ Basketball coach 
  • Missoula Parks and Rec Youth Girls’ Basketball Coach

Education

  • J.D., Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law (2012) 
    • Legal Intern, Federal Trade Commission (antitrust & regulatory investigations) 
    • Research Assistant to Dean of SMU Dedman School of Law (antitrust & business law) 
    • Legal Intern, Susan G. Komen Foundation (nonprofit legal operations) 
  • B.A., magna cum laude, Montana State University–Northern 
    • Collegiate Basketball Player, Women’s Team 
    • NAIA Academic All-Conference & Academic All-American 
    • Student Excellence Award, Montana State University–Northern 

Court Admissions

  • State Bar of Montana 
  • United States District Court, District of Montana 
  • Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals

Background

A native of Evanston, Wyoming, Dana combines her academic achievements and athletic discipline with a strong commitment to her clients and community. She is known for her practical approach, clear communication, and ability to guide clients through complex and high-stakes disputes. 

Outside of her practice, Dana enjoys hiking Montana’s trails, empowering young girls and boys through youth sports alongside the Missoula Vipers Non-Profit basketball program, and spending time with her family.